WHO WE ARE

Momentum Northwest is a 501(c)3-designated organization, founded in early 2014 through a need for a comprehensive, inclusive Nordic ski program in the greater Seattle area. With an emphasis on junior skier development, Momentum Northwest provides critical, experience-based coaching and technique development, while also creating an exciting and fun competitive racing program that fosters individual accountability, goal-setting, and personal betterment through sport.

Our athletes train at locations all over the Seattle area in various forms including rollerskiing, running, cycling and ski-imitation drills. Many benefits of the program lie in the diversity of training venues the Seattle are offers, such that athletes can rollerski on pavement in Seward Park one day, and complete a gorgeous adventure run high in the Cascades the next.

Despite the youth of our organization, we bring a huge wealth of cumulative experience in ski racing and coaching through our coaches and Board of Directors. Our goal is to expand participation numbers significantly in the next two years by providing ski opportunities to previously-unreached portions of Seattle youth. Simultaneously, we provide a stepping-stone program for aspiring young racers to competitive collegiate programs and beyond.

Zachary Russo, Head Coach and Program Director

Zach is the Head Coach for Momentum Northwest, having previously headed up the Juniors' Program for two years at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont. Zach believes that in order to succeed at skiing at any level skiers must love their sport, and he strives to grow this passion in his athletes. He values a fun and creative environment and instills a desire for self-improvement, while following USS guidelines for Long Term Athletic Development. Behind the scenes, Zach is striving to grow Momentum Northwest in order to make skiing more accessible to all. When he isn't working with his skiers, Zach can be found skiing for a few extra hours, reading, practicing calligraphy, and picking away on the bow he's been working on for a few years...and talking about maple syrup. He received a BS in Political Science and History from Clarkson University in 2013. To email Zach use this link.

Courtney Voorhees, business manager/bookkeeper

Skiing has been a part of life since she can remember. After teaching skiing in Colorado and Idaho for a few years Courtney began XC skiing as a new way to enjoy the outdoors and get a workout in during her lunch hour. Courtney gained extensive office administration experience while working in the ski industry. Courtney worked for a skiwear manufacturing company assisting in design and working in sales, then became softgoods buyer and manager for Sturtevant’s of Sun Valley. In 2007, she moved to Seattle. Courtney and Coert started Momentum Northwest in 2014. Her hobbies include cooking and gardening, and going on ski, fishing or hiking adventures. Courtney has a BS in Philosophy from the University of Colorado. Courtney enjoys sharing her love of skiing with not only her children but the kids in the program. To email Courtney use this link.

chandra (wisneski) Sotskov

Momentum has a new female part time coach!

Chandra grew up in New Hampshire, and started skiing when she was tricked into joining her High School Ski team. She followed winter to Northern Maine where she skied on the University of Maine- Presque Isle Ski team following the USCSA and NCAA circuits. Chandra has stayed active with skiing working as Ski School Director and Instructor at the Weston Ski Track outside Boston, MA. Chandra coached for Newton North High School in Newton, MA for several years encouraging an outdoor lifestyle in an Urban setting.

When she is not skiing she wishes she was, but in the less snowy months makes due with Mountain Biking and Hiking. Moving to the PNW has opened up so many new places to explore and new people to adventure with!

Steering Committee

The steering committee assists the head coach and other leadership with fundraising, promotion, and the general direction of the program. The committee is an opportunity for parents' voices to be heard and gives us the parents perspective. Through fundraising endeavors, the committee ensures the longevity of the program. We are looking for members who are eager to commit time and energy to the success of Momentum Northwest. For more info on joining the steering committee please email Courtney.

Board of Directors

Coert Voorhees (Founder) Board President

Coert is a lifelong skiing enthusiast. Beginning as a toddler on Snoqualmie Pass, Coert grew up skiing in both alpine and cross-country. By age twelve he chose cross-country skiing as a sport to pursue competitively, honing his abilities first at the Overlake School’s junior racing team before progressing to University of Alaska Anchorage and then on to University of Utah. While attending college, he raced NCAA and joined the international ranks representing the US Ski Team in a variety of World Cup events. Following his racing career, Coert continues to keep his hand in skiing as a USSA Certified Level 100 and volunteering his time on a number skiing and trails related initiatives. Coert now shares his passion for skiing with his family and in his community and he is keenly interested in providing a quality skiing opportunity commensurate with other ski areas around the country. Professionally, Coert is a partner in a commercial real estate development company. Coert holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Geography from the University of Utah.

Alan Watson , Treasurer

Alan comes to the Momentum crew with a deep heritage in the Nordic community. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest he excelled in alpine and Nordic racing, competing at the national level in both before diving into the coaching world. He led the University of Utah Nordic team for three seasons, from 1988-1991, and simultaneously established himself as a top-tier instructor at the illustrious West Yellowstone Ski Camps and later at the Methow Valley December clinics. He currently lives in Winthrop and in addition to Momentum, serves as the treasurer of both the Methow Valley Sports Trails Association and the Methow Valley Nordic Ski Education Foundation. Additionally, Alan is the director of the PNSA Nordic Competition Committee, a position he has used to dramatically improve both the quality and the communication of northwest Nordic coaches.

Todd Eastman

Todd grew up in Baltimore, Maryland in a family that decided outdoor sports would be a way of life. Camping, hiking, paddling, climbing and skiing were served up most weekends and Mondays were for recovery! Todd guided hiking and climbing in summers during high school and moved to the Adirondacks to chase outdoor sports and a career evolved around those activities.

Skiing became Todd's primary focus with decades of ski racing, instructing and coaching in the Northeast, Colorado and Washington State. A shift from full-time skiing related activities resulted in attending Western Washington University and launching a career in environmental consulting.

Todd still finds time to ski as much as possible which makes racing a sideshow to the sport rather than the focal point. A new set of Zero skis should help with his one tube of klister per week problem!